Explore food properties. Students in food technology classes begin their course of study by discussing the properties of food so that they can apply this knowledge to food preparation. Categorize foods such as fruits, vegetables, starches, legumes and grains and discuss the similarities of foods fitting into each category and how these similarities affect proper preparation techniques.
Consider nutrition. In modern food technology courses, nutrition is of the utmost importance. Explore the food pyramid and discuss proper portion sizes. Take time to briefly discuss the implications of obesity and the steps that can be taken to avoid weight gain and promote weight loss.
Discuss cultural, economic, social and environmental elements that affect food. There are a number of factors that affect what type of food an individual eats. Discuss foods that are common or significant in different cultures as well as the effect that economic status can have on food choices available. Spend some time exploring the effect of environment on foods that individuals eat and discuss why people in different regions eat different foods.
Learn proper processing. Go over the steps that need to be taken to prepare a food to be cooked. Practice proper hand-washing techniques and discuss the danger of foodborne illnesses and the steps that can be taken to prevent contamination of foods.
Practice preparation. Teach students how to properly prepare foods in a manner that produces the maximum flavor with the largest possible number of healthy benefits. Include techniques that do not require the addition of excess fat. Steaming, for example, allows for the cooking of vegetables without adding fat and without allowing the natural nutrients to leach out of the product.
Enjoy consumption. After students have prepared the meals, allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. By trying the healthful foods that they have prepared, students will see their learning process come full cycle and will realize that creating healthy, balanced meals that still taste delicious is something that they are capable of doing and should aspire to do again in the future.